You are counselling a 29-year-old autistic woman who is collecting a new antibiotic and pain relief after a dental infection. The pharmacy is busy, the till alarm keeps sounding, and the phone rings repeatedly. She avoids eye contact, presses her hands over her ears when the noise increases, and answers "yes" to each question very quickly.

When you ask whether she understands how to take the medicines, she says, "I just want to leave."

You are about to give a booked flu vaccination to a 17-year-old autistic patient who has come with his father. The clinic is running 20 minutes late. He has been pacing, checking the wall clock, and asking exactly when the injection will happen.

A team member says, "Don't worry, it won't hurt," and reaches for his arm while still talking. He pulls away and says he is not ready.